From the Errors of Others: How to Avoid Embarrassing Mistakes in Writing and Speaking

by Rebecca M. Lyles

“From the Errors of Others is a collection of crisp, witty, and slyly informative essays for grownups with a sense of humor. The subject is communication--good, bad, and patently bizarre. The author is Rebecca Lyles, an experienced editor but not a wrist-slapping schoolmarm. Neither giggly nor ponderous, she eagerly tells tales out of school. There are boneheads and blowhards in our midst, she says, but we don’t have to take them seriously. And we certainly don’t have to imitate them.
From the Errors of Others is a refreshing alternative to those heavy handbooks we never opened in school. It’s not only far more entertaining than those dreary tomes, in the end, perhaps surprisingly, it’s also much more enlightening. Imagine a smart book about writing and speaking effectively that people will actually enjoy reading.”

-- Richard Nordquist, PhD.

About.com Grammar and Composition Expert


In this comprehensive collection, Lyles teaches how

keep a professional tone;

avoid awkward speech habits;

communicate clearly without being pretentious;

detect deception; and

use a writing comfort zone.

A seasoned editor and business manager offers concise essays that humorously explore communication stumbling blocks, reveal common errors, and provide time-tested advice on how to write and speak effectively.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2016

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway, so I am writing this review in the spirit of the giveaway. I did enjoy this book, and I will admit that I did learn a couple of new things. However, the problem with books like this is that for the most part, they are "preaching to the choir." I think most people who buy this book are not the ones to whom the bulk of this information is directed. The people who could benefit most from a book like this are the ones that stare blankly at
the person who points out flaws in grammar/usage/spelling. Ms Lyles does write in a humorous way making it a more enjoyable book than a textbook, so I will give her credit for that style.

One thing I would point out though, is that there was a page where the word "till" was used when the correct word would have been the contraction "'til," the aphetic version of "until." Since I know that this author is as precise as I am, and is therefore kindred spirit, I feel comfortable in pointing out this one incorrect usage that in this book. I also know that she would have a sense of humor about it. I know this, because I, too, would want to know.

[Fred Fuld III · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased the Kindle version of this book. Rebecca Lyles has provided a guide covering all aspects of writing and communicating. Her book is an enjoyable read and filled with examples. I really like her humor that is weaved throughout the book. Whether you are writing an instruction manual, a LinkedIn profile, a novel, an ad, a website, or even a speech, this book is a great resource.

[Pat Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grammar textbook written with humor. Very readable book with lots of pointers on some of the more common grammar and spelling errors. Itis hard to read a book like this most of the time, but this was not the case with Rebecca M. Lyles' "From the Errors of Others".

[Melinda M · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the Errors of Others: How to Avoid Embarrassing Mistakes in Writing and Speaking by Rebecca M. Lyles was interesting . It spells out some errors and does it with some humor. It is not a boring read.

I received this thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really informative book. I recognized that I have made some of the errors mentioned in this book. I can't wait to read more books written by this author.